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Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

It’s free to play outdoor Bingo at a park in Sunrise. Participants receive a game packet for about nine games, while supplies last.  The events in 2026 are usually third Sundays, and entry is free. Games are at 6 p.m. and participation is limited. The event includes entertainment and prizes. The venue is Village Art …

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Whether it’s an emphasis on romance, hanging out with friends, family and your pet, or treating yourself, Valentine’s Day is a perfect occasion to do something special. South Florida offers plenty of things to do, including lots of free live performances and art events.  Some of the Valentine events and date ideas are offered before …

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Old Davie School is offering a Valentine event entitled Love Letter Day. The event includes an opportunity to write a love letter using an old-fashioned dip pen and ink . Old Davie School Love Letter Day in 2026 is 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday February 14, with discounted entry fees of $5. Old Davie School, …

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If you’re thinking about going out for dinner, perhaps you’ll venture to a park.  Food truck fare is featured at Volunteer Park in Plantation. Food trucks are at the park 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, and the events usually include live entertainment or a DJ, activities and games for youngsters and local artisan vendors …

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The Las Olas Art Fair is a popular outdoor event that features about 200 artists from different regions with displays set up along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Las Olas Boulevard is a ritzy and trendy shopping and dining district with fashion boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Las Olas Art Fairs in 2026 include Saturday …

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Walk into a library and walk out with a digital tablet. Or a robot. Or a Frisbee. Participating libraries in South Florida loan items like electronic devices, robotic devices and bird watching gear. Use your library account number. Obtaining a library account is free for eligible residents.  Broward libraries loan  Digital tablets for ages 18 …

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Rather than pick a restaurant, dine on selections from a variety of establishments in Oakland Park. Taste of Oakland Park  in 2026 is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 17, and tickets are required. Tickets are $20 in advance at $25 at the gate, if any are still available. It’s an outdoor event at …

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Free events and entertainment for kids and adults are offered at Plantation Walk, a pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining plaza in Plantation. Plantation Walk is at 321 N. University Drive, Plantation. Events usually are free, with free parking. Pets are permitted at some events. Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted. Events at Plantation Walk …

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For an interesting twist on nightlife activities, register for evening nature walks at Broward parks.  Some parks occasionally offer night hikes in forests, prairies, on shorelines and other intriguing outdoor spaces. On the tour, you’ll savor distinctive nocturnal sights, scents and sounds of evenings in the wild. It’s a nice idea for a romantic date, …

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For a fun evening out that’s friendly for your wallet, direct yourself to downtown Pompano Beach, where you’ll delight in entertainment, food trucks, and art displays indoors and outdoors as part of Old Town Untapped events. The events are usually 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the first Fridays of the month, except for summer. Entry …

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Water Taxi on The Intracoastal Waterway runs scenic routes in Fort Lauderdale & Pompano Beach, and an express route from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood. Information about Water Taxi and purchasing tickets is at 954-467-6677 or online. Discount opportunities are offered.  Water Taxi routes in Fort Lauderdale Some use the yellow vessels to travel from place …

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Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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